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Watch SpaceX launch classified mission for the US Space Force today
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SpaceX successfully launched a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force on Tuesday, marking another high-profile military spaceflight for the private rocket company. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California during a three-hour window opening at 11:37 a.m. EDT (1537 GMT). The mission, designated USSF-153, is a secret operation, and its specific payloads and ultimate orbital destination remain undisclosed.
This launch represents a continuation of the strong partnership between the U.S. Space Force and commercial launch providers like SpaceX. While the exact nature of the mission is classified, analysis from space tracking outlets suggests it may involve deploying a batch of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The proposed locations of the rocket's first-stage drop zones align closely with those used for previous Starlink satellite launches, leading to speculation about the mission's profile.
The spacecraft in question could potentially be built on SpaceX's Starshield satellite bus. Starshield is a distinct program that leverages the technology and proven launch capabilities of the Starlink constellation specifically for national security applications. The U.S. Space Force has increasingly turned to SpaceX for reliable access to space for its defense and reconnaissance needs.
This particular mission carries another notable distinction: it marks the 27th flight for this Falcon 9's first-stage booster. The ability to rapidly reuse rocket stages has been a cornerstone of SpaceX's strategy to reduce launch costs. The current record for booster reuse stands at 37 flights, set just last month during a dedicated Starlink launch.
The liftoff also represents the 104th Falcon 9 mission of 2026, underscoring the unprecedented launch cadence the company has achieved. Approximately 80 of this year's flights have been solely dedicated to expanding the Starlink megaconstellation. The network now comprises over 11,000 active satellites providing global broadband internet coverage.
Following stage separation, the Falcon 9's first stage executed a successful landing on the SpaceX drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean. As with all USSF missions, the webcast concluded shortly after this milestone to protect operational security. Future details about the mission's success and satellite deployment are unlikely to be publicly confirmed by the Department of Defense.
